Blog: My mentorship experience at Environmental Standards Scotland

Introduction

The UK Environmental Law Association’s (UKELA) mentoring scheme is designed to improve access to the environmental law sector for all, providing opportunities for those who would not normally be able to take advantage of them. Recently we were fortunate to have Annie Scott, a student from Edinburgh University, join us at Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) through the mentoring scheme. Below, Annie shares her perspective in a blog detailing how her six month placement helped to deepen her understanding of environmental law, as well as to build upon her professional skills in the workplace.

My mentorship experience at Environmental Standards Scotland

Over the past six months, I have been fortunate to take part in a mentorship programme at Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS). I was drawn to the mentorship programme for numerous reasons. My longstanding interest in environmental law had left me eager to deepen my understanding and gain practical experience in the field. However, opportunities to acquire such specialised experience are limited, and I found myself feeling somewhat underdeveloped in this area. I saw the mentorship programme as an ideal avenue to bridge this gap. The prospect of having a dedicated mentor to help guide me through this journey was particularly appealing. I recognised the value of personalised guidance to offer insights, share expertise, provide constructive feedback, and ultimately accelerate my learning and skill development. Moreover, the focus of my studies on post-Brexit environmental governance across the UK made the mentorship opportunity at ESS especially appealing. ESS’ expertise in this area aligned perfectly with my academic interests and career aspirations.

My experience at ESS has been incredibly enriching, offering a diverse range of activities that have allowed me to delve into current environmental issues and explore my areas of interest. My mentor’s ability to discuss complex issues in a relatable way created a supportive environment that made learning engaging and accessible. Through discussions with my mentor, I’ve expanded my knowledge of, and deepened my interest in, the field of environmental law.

Moreover, the mentorship has opened doors to experiences that would otherwise have been closed to me, such as observing a judicial review. This provided an invaluable insight into how environmental cases unfold in real-world legal settings. Alongside these opportunities, I’ve also honed my understanding of career pathways in environmental law, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights.

Furthermore, the mentorship has been instrumental in enhancing my networking skills. By connecting with my mentor and engaging in various networking opportunities facilitated through the programme, I have expanded my professional network, forging meaningful connections within the industry. This mentorship has been a comprehensive and inspiring journey. It has combined knowledge acquisition, hands-on experience, and practical application, and has thus helped to shape me into a more informed and prepared individual for the next stage of my career.

ESS’ commitment to providing personalised guidance and support has been wholehearted, offering me a productive and tailored experience. Reflecting on my experience with the mentorship scheme fills me with gratitude. I wholeheartedly recommend others to participate in a mentorship opportunity with ESS.

Annie Scott